"But you can summon real angels, right? You don't actually think rabbits are angels or anything like that, do you? Or is the rabbit possibly dangerous with big pointy teeth?
When Duncan finally notices his coin purse is missing, a war erupts within Quinn. Does she give it back? He certainly doesn't deserve to get it back but if the others discover I have it then it will not go well.... This internal argument continues for a brief moment as she weighs the pros and cons.
"Oh no. That's terrible. What does it look like? I can help you look."
Quinn gets up and starts searching around the perimeter of the tent, painfully aware of the spy-eye. She slips the bag (hopefully unseen) under the flap of the tent and then finds it.
"Found it! You should really be more careful with your stuff. Especially your coin. There are unscrupulous people about."
"But you can summon real angels, right? You don't actually think rabbits are angels or anything like that, do you? Or is the rabbit possibly dangerous with big pointy teeth?
Duncan did not understand, "But these ARE real angels. They live in heaven. I can call on wolves, spiders, birds... I even called a monkey once. Do you want me to try?"
He added, "And they understand me too. They are pretty smart for animal angels. Watch this."
He promptly had the rabbit go through a series of basic commands. Duncan spoke to them in Celestial, the language of heaven, and the summoned rabbit promptly complied with the requests.
"Found it! You should really be more careful with your stuff. Especially your coin. There are unscrupulous people about."
Duncan was elated, "Quinn I don't care what people think of your clothes, you are heaven-sent."
He jingled the gold and looked at Khaddar, "You see here. I would not lie to you. I'll be happy to pay for your meal or anyone else who's hungry for that matter."
"Okay, I get it. Your animals are angels but are they useful? Otherwise they're no better than pets because pets also follow commands."
-------------
Quinn let the comment about her clothes slide. She could definitely afford better but as Duncan was proving, you become a target if you look too flashy. She once again forces a polite but insincere smile. "Glad I could help."
The Orra indeed. We are not like the stories Ri'dwan told me. We have half of the preparation time. What should I be doing? What have players done in the past?
Jibril mulled over what he'd heard about the Game in the past. Usually contestants spent their two days getting to know each other, making sure their gear and weapons were ready, and looking for ways to make sure they succeeded in their initial Door challenge.
Jibril knew that some teams found sponsors - individuals or corporations willing to donate items or money in exchange for favours done after the Game was over. Some teams looked for ways to get an advantage over other teams, while some teams ignored their competition, choosing instead to focus on the Game itself.
It seemed like the first thing to do was to learn as much about their team, find where any holes were in their skills, and see what they could purchase in order to make up the difference. They would need to choose a strategy, and act on it.
As conversation in the tent continued, Elia and Khaddar noticed that official-looking elves were starting to circulate among the tents, carrying scrolls and quills.
"I only know such a little about you all but what I have not heard is anyone with much more skill at healing than myself and when I am at my best I can perhaps keep a person from dying. Is there anyway we can gain some advantage?"
"I am here to test my metal and to ... be changed by the Great Game. I can't curry favour, and, perhaps you can tell, I'm no card player. What kind of team do we want to be? Shall we ask for help? Duncan? You say the Clay Tons are a respected family ... it is not my choice but I must trust you and the others. This game is won by inches."
"We are all on foot. With my packs I can not travel at my best speed but I can travel for a long time. Can we seek advantage there?"
"This is a place that attracts high magic. How do we protect ourselves?"
Jibril looks around the tent Khaddar, to Elia, to Quinn and then Duncan.
"I think we can stand against foes hand-to-hand and at range."
"Against a real spellcaster, lad, ye watch, and ye wait, and as soon as he starts waaaavin his hands aboot, ye shoot him in the bloody face! I'll close, ye ken, fast as I can, and tie the bastard oop, but there'll be no guarantees against magic. If oor lass is no Druid, then we've no priest atall, so I'm no sure how we're tae keep fightin' fit past a few first encounters. We could always stretch oot, with ye at the far left, and the Clayton lad at the far right, thirty feet atween us all, and attempt tae move quietly through the underbrush? I think we've at least some advantage there where other teams may no, ken? There's almost no armor in this tent."
The dwarf tugs at his beard as he thinks, feathering the short bristles, but a distraction catches his eye and he leans to one side. "Aye, they're comin tae take the names. Keep thinkin." Prowling out front, the squat martial artist lives up to his description, holding his hands out front of him and lowering down with his legs at shoulder width till his rear rests on his cleats, and then rising up to straight standing again, waiting for the elves to approach with their scrolls while he goes through repetitions.
Duncan was baffled, "Wait a minute. Are you saying this is not just a big show? That people actually get hurt in these games?"
He shook his head, "No, my father would never force me to participate in games where I could get hurt. I'm sure it's all one big bluff. You know, for the public."
If oor lass is no Druid, then we've no priest atall, so I'm no sure how we're tae keep fightin' fit past a few first encounters.
With a hand still clamped firmly on Ifanna's collar as the celestial rabbit frolics about, Elia holds up the other hand to stop Khaddar. I'm no druid, but I knew one. Picked up a few tricks. I can't do it forever, but I've closed more than a few wounds. Nervously, Elia fidgets with a small sprig of holly hanging at her waist. Still, though...best if we just take them out before they tear us up.
Wait a minute. Are you saying this is not just a big show? That people actually get hurt in these games?
Wait...you...you thought this was fake? Dumbfounded, Elia drops Ifanna's collar; fortunately, the rabbit angel had disappeared, and the wolf simply drops to the floor and rests her head on her paws. That this was just tricks? Not for the first time, she begins to wonder what grisly end this golden boy would end up meeting, and if there was a single solitary thing anyone else in this tent could do about it. But then an even more disturbing thought crosses her mind, and she lapses into silence. ...what if he's right?
Quinn shrugs her shoulders. "I think it's hard to plan for all possibilities going into the Game. We'll have to be able to think on our feet as we go. That's what they want because that's what excites the crowd. I can help with locks and other possible obstructions. Jibril, you may not be good at cards but I've been known to misdirect a few people in my day. As for healing, it's good that some of us have talent in that department but I always carry a few healing draughts on me to be on the safe side. I may also be able to help in the magic department if it's a wand or some other magical device...but that's really hit or miss. The most important thing is to trust no one and if you have to trust someone then it should be your team because we all have the same goal which is to win."
Quinn looks at Duncan in exasperation, "Yes the Game is a really big show and yes people are known to get hurt. However, the smarter you are the less likely you are to get hurt so you should be perfectly fine."
"But its not like we have to conquer every challenge we encounter. It's a valid strategy to run away sometimes. We'll have a certain amount of time to collect the necessary number of tokens to gain access to the final door. There are more challenges than tokens needed so we can pick and choose based on our strengths. There are physical challenges like fighting but there are also mental challenges like puzzles or mazes. There may also be magical fighting. So if there's something we feel like we can't handle then we can do something else.". She pauses to let the info sink in, "Maybe we should start thinking about the door we would want to choose if given a choice or at least the door we wouldn't want."
As Quinn finished her explanation, a young, black-haired elf in official game attire approached their tent. He ducked his head to enter, and looked up directly at the spy-eye. He made a gesture with his hand, and the multi-faceted orb flew down beside his head, seeming to look in every direction at once.
Waiting for the five contestants to quiet down, the elf looked at his scroll and said, Team nine. Duncan Clayton, Elia Aoine, Jibril Johan Sameh, Khaddar Khaggan, Quinn Starling. Are these names correct? Have you chosen a team name?
tag 1
After scribing their chosen name, he said, As per your qualification paperwork, we have your current addresses, or lack thereof, and next of kin, or lack thereof, recorded here. Have there been any changes in the month since you submitted this paperwork?
tag 2
Rolling up his scroll, he said, Remember that we will be searching your belongings for contraband before you enter the gates. We will be drawing the door lottery shortly. Please have your door choice ready when your team name is called. If it takes more than one minute to answer, your door will be assigned to you randomly. After you have your door assignment, you are free to exit. Be at your assigned door before noon tomorrow - doors will open precisely at noon. Failure to appear will result in your disqualification. Are there any questions?
@tag1 "My name is correct, my information is correct ... blessing upon you."
@tag2 to the group "I favour the known doors to the new but would take any of these new doors. I think us capable of handling the doors marked: earth, tooth, trap, and fear. My people becalm the dead and, although I don't have power to calm, my knowledge would be particularly useful at the door marked Death" Jibril says this last thing with particular calm ... like one might be going to church.
"Aye, the names are correct. We'll be working under the name Orra. Team or The, at yer discretion." Waiting for the Elf to get comfortable with the paperwork, he nods his way through the questions until lit comes to the end...
"Aye, query for ye, lad. What's considered contraband? Droogs? Wolfsbane? Faek tokens? And are we allowed tae wrestle tokens from the other teams, or are they recorded somewhere as we take oor trials?"
Khaddar listens to Jibril and considers, nodding, at each point, until he has a moment to reconsider the options. "Aye, in order, I'd prefer the Mind Door, which I suspect will be puzzles and riddles. The Tooth Door, cause I kin fight wolves all day long, but that's like tae cut into oor precious resources. The Trap door, cause I believe oor Starling and I could get all of us through. The Moon door, cause I suspect men oor lycanthropes there, either a which I have skill tae defeat. And last the Death door, cause I'm no a friend a ghouls and ghosts."
He uses his cleat to scratch notes into the dirt floor. "If we rank oor choices like so, we can vote fairly, aye? Best a five? We should come with the greatest compromise there. Soo I'm Mind fer five, Tooth fer four, Trap fer three, Moon fer two, and death fer one. Add Jibril's death fer five and that gives us..."
Death 6
Mind 5
Tooth 4
Trap 3
Moon 2
Quinn looks at Duncan in exasperation, "Yes the Game is a really big show and yes people are known to get hurt. However, the smarter you are the less likely you are to get hurt so you should be perfectly fine."
Duncan breathed out, "Whew, that's a relief. I knew you don't get hurt if you're smart so I'm safe there."
HEALING
Duncan face-palmed himself, "Wands! Why don't we use wands for healing in case any of you get hurt. I have a natural talent for magic and can make use of almost anything." He pulled out a couple of wands, "Look at these. I even have some wands though no healing wand because I didn't think we would need it."
NAME
"That's the Third, Ducan Clayton the Third. Thank you very much."
"I think I have your meaning. My other choices would be: Mind at four, Trap at three, Tooth for two, and Earth for one"
Quinn simply nodded at the elf when he asked about the accuracy of the information she had provided. She let the others provide the name. It wouldn't do for five people to be yelling the same name at the official.
When it came time to discuss their door, she adds her preferred ranking for someone else to track in the vote. "This is my top five door preferences: Trap, Earth, Mind, Death, Tooth.". She hadn't been stoked about the Death door until she remembered that there was mention of possible treasure to be had in the graves.
What's considered contraband? Droogs? Wolfsbane? Faek tokens? And are we allowed tae wrestle tokens from the other teams, or are they recorded somewhere as we take oor trials?"
The elf took a moment to answer; likely he was trying to wrestle his mind through the dwarf's thick brogue. Finally, he said, "Fake tokens would definitely be contraband if they were possible, which they are not. Weapons, magic, herbs, potions - all are allowed. Bringing in any information, however, is banned. Books, maps - anything perceived as a means of helping you navigate the GameFields based on somebody else's information - that is contraband. As it was made clear in your application. Though it was in the small print." There was a definite hint of sneer in his tone.
However, he continued, "Once inside the GameFields, there are no rules. If you choose to take your tokens from other teams, rather than completing challenges, then that is your choice. However, it will be reflected in your scores." He stepped further towards the door. "Anything else?"
Khaddar grins brightly at the sneering elf and flashes a little wink. "Thank ye, precious. So how are the gaems scored, then? Is it other than a race? I thought the final teams in the center area were pitted against each other survival style till only one stayed standing?" It's probably no surprise that he's been living under a rock for the past few years, but he looks back and forth from Quinn to Jibril, assuming Clayton knows less than he does, and not bothering to pester the officials with any such basic questions as 'how do points'. And just so as not to leave anyone out, he flops the top of his backpack open like an invitation, and steps to stand beside Elia (on the far side of the wolf!) and leans his corded shoulder on her hip.
Duncan did his best to not blanche a little when the dwarf described how the final teams will be decided. He suddenly decided that it would have been a good idea to have listened more attentively when his grandfather had described the games.
Wrapped in his own thoughts, he let the others pick the challenge doors.
The elf stared at Khaddar with barely disguised confusion, bordering on horror. "At no point in the Game are teams openly pitted against each other. It's the Great Game, not a gladiator ring." He didn't mention that teams often chose to fight each other...that was common knowledge. Though there as much common knowledge seemingly lacking in this team. Making a mental note to wager his money against this team, he continued, "Scoring is a complex formula, left to the IGA scoring department. If you want more information about that, I can have a scoring brochure brought to you." His tone of voice left no doubt as to his belief about their ability to understand it.
"Ha"
They have built something here. This thing could serve a great purpose. It could be a temple to inspire ... was it not one day? It is still a place where people could perform wonders. It is still riddled with possibility. Has not my faith-walk brought me to it's foundation? Did I not work to achieve the entry fee? There is a purpose to me being here - me and not those elves who cast me out.
If anything is key here it is that the players are the ones capable of inspiring and not the game makers. Elves born to work desks - blessings on them but that is something I could never be.
No, these games are made by people like Khaddar, like this Elia. I think Quinn's talents are hidden - I wonder if she will let me see them. This Duncan the third has the most potential. I think he will surprise himself most of all.
The games are made by souls like these ... and like Ri'dwan"
The elf stared at Khaddar with barely disguised confusion, bordering on horror. "At no point in the Game are teams openly pitted against each other. It's the Great Game, not a gladiator ring."
Duncan nodded his head, a smug look on his face, "You see... the fighting is not real. No one gets killed in these games."
He opened up his hands, "There's competition for sure but it's all a show."
First to choose, by tent number, then their door choice, alphabetically
Team 7
Traps
Repeat = reroll
Team 10
Teeth
Team Orra
The elf with the attitude moved on to another tent, and a few minutes later the silver-haired master or ceremonies stepped back up to centre stage. She held a crystal dish in her hand. "Teams! Registration is now complete. We will proceed to door selection." She reached into the dish and pulled out a smooth black stone. Holding it up, she showed that it was carved and gilded with an ornate 7. "Tent 7. Team Dagobert. What is your choice?"
The tent containing the three halfling siblings and the two human fighters put their heads together for just a moment, then one of the halflings stepped forward. "We choose the Trap Door."
The spectators in the plaza applauded loudly, and already the sounds of bookies taking bets could be heard. The silver-haired elf nodded her head gravely once, and a scribe at her elbow made a notation. She then pulled a second stone from the dish, and held it up to reveal the number 10. "Tent ten. Team Mighty Fists of Doom. What is your choice?"
Tent ten held two grinning fighers - a human and the half-orc Bugrash, a robed gnome with what appeared to be a fresh blackening eye, and two contestants huddled in the corner, hiding their faces. The human fighter stepped forward, brushed red hair from her face, lifted her great-axe in a victory sign, and shouted, "We choose the Door of Teeth!"
The crowd roared their approval, and the betting picked up pace. The MC nodded, then reached into her dish a third time. This time the stone she held up contained a shining 9. "Tent 9. Team Orra. What is your choice?"
Team Orra? Team orra. Team Orra! That's us!
Duncan raised his hands, "Over here! Team Orra is over here!"
He paused for drama, "I, Duncan Clayton the Third, leader of Team Orra, ask you crowd. Which door should we start with? We'll be the Team that passes all the tests so it doesn't matter to us."
He looked at the crowd, "So which door do you want me to select first?"
Note tae self. Quarterstaff. Name quarterstaff 'The Duncan Stick'.
"Calistria's tits... noo time fer a second round? Elia c'mon! Yer top five!"
There was a moment of hushed and confused murmuring as the crowd digested what Duncan had yelled. Those at the front relayed it backwards, and it didn't take long before a large man stood up and yelled, "FEAR!" Other voices shouted out their choices, "Magic!", "Wind!" "FIRE!" The last one seemed to resonate with the crowd, and within a few seconds thousands of people were chanting, "FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!"
"What are you doing?" Quinn hissed. "The crowd wants bloodshed. You don't let them choose, you oaf."
Going off of what the team discussed earlier, Quinn addressed the MC. "Team Orra chooses the Mind door."
"What are you doing?" Quinn hissed. "The crowd wants bloodshed. You don't let them choose, you oaf."
Going off of what the team discussed earlier, Quinn addressed the MC. "Team Orra chooses the Mind door."
Duncan was confused, "Wait, don't we get more points if we're the crowd's favorite?"
He cocked his head, "Where's the brochure that explains the point system? Let me take a look..."
"What are you doing?" Quinn hissed. "The crowd wants bloodshed. You don't let them choose, you oaf."
Going off of what the team discussed earlier, Quinn addressed the MC. "Team Orra chooses the Mind door."
Duncan was confused, "Wait, don't we get more points if we're the crowd's favorite?"
He cocked his head, "Where's the brochure that explains the point system? Let me take a look..."
Quinn shook her head. "You're such a fool. Were you not listening when I explained how it worked? You don't get points for being the crowd's favorite and doing what the crowd wants is not in our favour because it'll get us killed. In fact, they're probably betting against us as we speak."
Caught up in the chaos of the crowd and the discomfort of having so many eyes straight on her, Elia locks her fingers into Ifanna's rough fur, staring nervously at the sea of humanity surrounding her. Too late, she realizes that Khaddar's sharp words are aimed at her - but by then, Quinn speaks up and seals the group's fate. Sorry, she mutters to the dwarf as Quinn and Duncan argue. It's just...I was ready for the fighting, the rough sleeping, the danger - that's just another day for me. I didn't think about...this. With a jerk of her chin, she indicates the spectators. It's not what I expected.
The dwarf snickers softly and quirks his brow at Quinn "Aye, I've approximately zero desire tae be set on fire..." He throws his hands up in the air and agrees emphatically with Quinn "MIND!" and then tucks his hand in Duncan's belt/back of his pants and drags him backwards back into the tent. "C'mon you, afore ye hurt yerself..." Or I do...
A trial by fire ... that is what the crowd wants. But we are The Orra and the leftovers need not concern themselves with 'what is expected'. We are free to do as we will.
"If these spectators are not willing to raise the fee and to stand by our side then I do not think they should get a vote. Let us do this our way ... it is nice to know what is in their hearts though. @Duncan as Khaddar drags him backwards "It seems wise of you to have drawn them out Jibril says this in earnest - he isn't fully ready to take Duncan for a fool ... but he is a little ready as he looks at the others with a cocked eyebrow ... Oh, great leader."
The silver-haired elf raises her hands for silence, and after a minute or two the crowd finally quiets enough for others to be heard. "Team Orra has chosen the Mind Door." The scribe recorded the choice, and she continued on with the lottery. Perhaps surprisingly, the Fire door was chosen by a team of what looked like entirely mages; it was the Fear door that was left until last.
Once the lottery was over, the elf said, "That concludes the opening ceremony. Teams, report to your chosen doors before noon tomorrow." She bowed deeply and respectfully to the teams, her hair sweeping along the floor. Then the trumpets sounded again, and the officials exited the stage.
Duncan was obviously appreciative of the dwarf's concern for his well-being, "Hey thanks for looking out for me but I think I was pretty safe out there. You know crowds? They love a show."
He continued, "So mind door, eh? Wouldn't that be too easy?"
Once everyone was inside he confided, "Just a little secret. I took the tests for the Arcane Wizard School..."
He waited to see if anyone was impressed or asked him anything but did not wait long before he added, "The official record shows that I failed the tests but, just between you and me, I actually could have passed them. I was surprised, they were simple to someone of my intellect."
He shook his head, a smug look on his head, "I just didn't want to study old spellbooks with dull wizards. Who needs to study when you got talent? And smarts too."
Quinn was none too happy when they returned to her tent. She paced as she vented at Duncan. "If you want to think you're the leader of Team Orra, that's fine. But don't you dare present your opinion as representing all of us. That could have been a disaster had they taken our choice as Fire. You want to speak for us, fine - but you say what the consensus of the group is."
Once she got that off her chest, she calmed down somewhat and went into planning mode. "So we'll need to stick together now. Our team forfeits if any of us don't show up at the door tomorrow. I don't want anyone flaking and not showing up" she glances pointedly at Duncan, "or having anyone fall victim to another team. I mean, what better way to even your odds in the Game than to cause another team to forfeit. From now on, there's safety in numbers."
"So any thoughts about what the Mind Door will be? Is there anything that we should get before tomorrow to help us?"
Quinn was none too happy when they returned to her tent. She paced as she vented at Duncan. "If you want to think you're the leader of Team Orra, that's fine. But don't you dare present your opinion as representing all of us. That could have been a disaster had they taken our choice as Fire. You want to speak for us, fine - but you say what the consensus of the group is."
Duncan was hurt, "I... I thought it didn't matter much since we have to go through all the doors, don't we? And none of you spoke up and the man was waiting for our answer so I just assumed my natural role."
He added, "I you don't want my leadership and natural charisma then just say so and I'll just sit back and just provide my intellect to the cause. But you're missing out."
tag?
Once she got that off her chest, she calmed down somewhat and went into planning mode. "So we'll need to stick together now. Our team forfeits if any of us don't show up at the door tomorrow. I don't want anyone flaking and not showing up" she glances pointedly at Duncan, "or having anyone fall victim to another team. I mean, what better way to even your odds in the Game than to cause another team to forfeit. From now on, there's safety in numbers."
"So any thoughts about what the Mind Door will be? Is there anything that we should get before tomorrow to help us?"
Duncan raised his hand, "Are you saying no partying tonight?"
He looked at the others, "One of the reasons I agreed to these games was the parties, which by the way, are supposed to be quite memorable. We... you don't want to pass up on these."
He looked at Quinn, "All work and no fun makes for a dull girl..."
tag?
"Contestants party if we survive lad, no before. And the mind door is new! No one knows anought about it, but I suspect it'll be puzzles oor riddles. So git yer sleep taenight, and we'll be up in plenty a time tae meet her elfishness at the door after oor breakfast. M'quite partial tae eggs n' wine m'self. See if they've got some fried dog tae go with."
Scrubbing his fingers through his beard, Khaddar hmmms thoughtfully "Think they'll let us do two doors in a day? We could run from mind tae traps all in one go... maybe even square off against the Dagobert midgins if they're keen tae have at it."
"Are you saying no partying tonight?"
Once again Duncan had missed the point. "I didn't say anything about no parties. What I said was wherever one of us goes, we all go."
"All work and no fun makes for a dull girl..."
"I'd rather be dull than dead."
"Are you saying no partying tonight?"Once again Duncan had missed the point. "I didn't say anything about no parties. What I said was wherever one of us goes, we all go."
"All work and no fun makes for a dull girl...""I'd rather be dull than dead."
Duncan smiled, "There's the spirit. We'll all go."
He looked at Jibril, "I'm sure you want to experience our famous parties, right? I know lots of people and I'll introduce you to some... good company if you know what I mean."
He added to Quinn, "And for the record, I have been going to parties all my life and I have never died."
Oblivious to how silly that sounded, he added looking at Khaddar, "C'mon. We'll all go, sign some autographs for the crowd, have a few drinks, some of the good stuff this time; my treat. What could go wrong?"
The thought of an entire night of partying at once intrigues and worries Elia. There'd been a spy-eye in the tent - what if the crowd had seen her transformation? Signs of werewolf blood hadn't done her any favors back at home, and it wasn't likely to make her much more popular here. Or it could have made her too popular - what if it drew attention to her as a target, someone to take out in order to cripple the team? But then again, where there were parties, there was food, and she'd been living mostly on wild game for years. Not that she minded the taste of meat - in fact, she was more fond of it than was perhaps explainable by anything but wolfish blood - but she'd forgotten how good more civilized food could taste. Jibril's bread had brought that flooding back, and though the loaf hadn't been insubstantial, her stomach rumbles.
Whatever we do, she says as much as a distraction as anything, we need more healing. My spells only go so far. A wand or charm of some kind would help. From there...it's everyone else's call.
"A moment please" ... Jibril seems to get quieter and sounds more like he's trying to be convincing then actually succeeding ... "I think Dun Can the third should be our leader." a bit of a pause to let the shock wear off "In outward matters he should appear our leader. What better way to have the other teams underestimate our standing than have him misdirect them. Underneath we shall make decisions together but you all must have seen how the crowd were drawn to him. As uncomfortable as it may be to some ... an embarrassed look at Quinn ... let him be our outward face while we stay quiet and be wise. What better cloak to work secretly by?
Secondly, let us make decisions together but in snap decisions during a fight we should be led either by the instincts of Elia and Ifana or the obvious skill of Khaddar. This we should vote on and choose one now if it pleases the Orra.
Third, we should do practical things first but the Games have already started. We should attend one or even several of these 'Par-Ties' and appear to be having a final night of frivolous enjoyment. this last phrase rolls oddly off Jibril's lips but surely there are weak links on other teams. Let us find out what we can. Make alliances. Seed contacts. @ Khaddar This will not be a celebration but a time to get to work. A time to test our outward face. Perhaps this will be the time Dun Can the third will be of the most use to us. People like him, or find him a fascination, for he is like one of his little rabbits I think.
Lastly, and I apologize for this, but I must attend to something. I saw one crow this morning Jibril has been counting crows It may be an ill portent."
Duncan was fine with being the outward leader for the time being. He would win over his companions and be their true leader as they all observed his natural leadership skills.
"Jibril is right. No offense to you all but I am the most handsome of us all. A true crowd-pleaser." He adjusted his hair and clothes as he said so.
He added, "And Jibril is also right in that I do know people here and people know me and they know my family so that should get us some points or at last some benefits. I would not be surprised if we get gifts along the way."
he concluded, "Being the crowd favorite can only do us good. Now can we go to some Par-ties?"
------------
OOC: I can't shake the feel of the Hunger Games for this PBP. You know where people/fans give the teams some help. :)
Quinn moved her hands down and away to the side as if pushing the conversation away. "Ok, fine, whatever. I don't have a problem with Duncan being our outward leader. He likes talking to people and his flashiness can be a distraction in a good way. If he wants to shine, more power to him. What I do have a problem is him speaking for the rest of us when he has his head up his arse. As long as he consults on big decisions beforehand, I have no problem."
With that hopefully settled, she says, "Now, as I'm sure all the best parties won't be happening for another few hours - and heavens forbid if you show up too early - what now? Is there any gear we should get? Either something to help us with our Door or something else?
As they spoke, the tent flap opened again and a richly but professionally dressed halfling swept in. A yellow shining spy-eye followed over her shoulder, rotating rapidly as it took in their motley assortment. She took a look at them, quickly adjusted her hair, and snapped her fingers. The spy-eye took up position in front of her, and she said, "Holly Adalinda here, reporting for the Ibith Observer. Team Orra. You've travelled from across the world to be here, and you find yourself in a tent with your new team members. Tell me, what are your first impressions. Who will be your saviour, and who will drag you down? You chose the Mind Door, though it was nearly Fire. What will your strategy be?"
The mind eye spun in place, fixing the group with its shiny gaze, waiting for an answer.
Shaking his head ruefully, Khaddar flops his gear shut and latches it all away. "Y'dinnae celebrate before the battle's won. Y'dinnae count yer winnins when yer still sittin at the table. There's time enough fer countin', when the tourney's dun. ... ESPECIALLY after some weedy berk says 'What could go wrong'!" He punches a charlie-horse into Duncan's thigh "NEVER SAY THAT!"
Grumbling, he crosses his arms over his chest and continues shaking his head "I'd best come along tae see yer not all in o'er yer heads. An don't o'er do it! 'Tis a serious day tomorrow ye ken, we'll no be late." He points (pointedly!) at Duncan "And aye... that does mean I'll drag ye unconscious an' without pants through the bloody door if yer no awake by nine bells, boy!"
-shift-
This one Duncan can have... Khaddar busies himself latching his backpack back on and stays out of it, plastering a cheery smile on his face.
Shaking his head ruefully, Khaddar flops his gear shut and latches it all away. "Y'dinnae celebrate before the battle's won. Y'dinnae count yer winnins when yer still sittin at the table. There's time enough fer countin', when the tourney's dun. ... ESPECIALLY after some weedy berk says 'What could go wrong'!" He punches a charlie-horse into Duncan's thigh "NEVER SAY THAT!"
Grumbling, he crosses his arms over his chest and continues shaking his head "I'd best come along tae see yer not all in o'er yer heads. An don't o'er do it! 'Tis a serious day tomorrow ye ken, we'll no be late." He points (pointedly!) at Duncan "And aye... that does mean I'll drag ye unconscious an' without pants through the bloody door if yer no awake by nine bells, boy!"
Ouch Duncan rubbed his thigh after the dwarf's outburst.
"Khaddar, this is not a celebration of our victory. I understand that that will come later. Tonight is a celebration of the games themselves, of the people that came to participate, of the people that came to watch."
He added, "It's not about counting 'yer winnins' before we have won at all." He looked at the others, "I can see that we're all a little nervous, a little tense. And that's OK, which is the perfect excuse for a Par-tie."
Duncan was enjoying using everyone's distinct dialect for certain words, "And don't you worry about me oversleeping. I always get up before noon."
As they spoke, the tent flap opened again and a richly but professionally dressed halfling swept in. A yellow shining spy-eye followed over her shoulder, rotating rapidly as it took in their motley assortment. She took a look at them, quickly adjusted her hair, and snapped her fingers. The spy-eye took up position in front of her, and she said, "Holly Adalinda here, reporting for the Ibith Observer. Team Orra. You've travelled from across the world to be here, and you find yourself in a tent with your new team members. Tell me, what are your first impressions. Who will be your saviour, and who will drag you down? You chose the Mind Door, though it was nearly Fire. What will your strategy be?"
The mind eye spun in place, fixing the group with its shiny gaze, waiting for an answer.
Showtime!
There was no need for anyone to tell Duncan that he was on. He knew this was going to be his role in any team and especially in Team Orra where some of the members suffered from a certain lack of 'joie de vivre'. Too dull.
He flashed his best smile, patted down his clothing, and introduced himself, "Well hi there Holly, I am Duncan Clayton the Third and this is the rest of the team." he made googly eyes at the wizard eye and switched his 'best side' a couple of times.
He was going to embellish their exploits but remembered Khaddar's admonition about showing too much, "We will all pull together and do our part. Even the dog over there. The Mind Door, well, we figured we would start with an easy challenge to get the blood flowing."
He smiled again, "Strategy you ask? The only strategy. Beat all the challenges and look good while doing so. We have some real showmanship qualities to some of our members that will just 'wow' the crowd."
Jibril collects his things and heads out. As the team members grumble or, in the case of one, faun, he grins a little.
"It's a happy village that accomplishes nothing. It is an unhappy village that can move a mountain."
@Khaddar "I will be back - I will not be late."
Quinn gave a small smile as Khaddar provided Duncan with sone wisdom in the form of a punch to the leg. Everyone knew that you never ever asked, 'what could go wrong?"
She began to protest when Jibril made his exit but let him go. He had already mentioned that there was something he needed to see to and he seemed to have enough sense to meet them tomorrow when he should. She still didn't trust other teams to not jump him in an alley but decided she had to let him go and hope for the best. The rest, on the other hand, she'd keep an eye on.
"These tents won't be here for much longer. We'll need to find another place to be whether that's shopping, parties, or my place. I'm thinking my parents won't even notice if I bring a few more people home. If we stay in the west wing and stay quiet, they won't even know."